Saturday, January 27, 2007

The Red Sox and Rockies are in serious discussions about a trade involving Todd Helton. The Red Sox would likely give up Craig Hansen, along with two other minor leaguers. Of the names being tossed around, Jacob Ellisbury seems to be atop the Rockies wish list. The deal, if any, is still very far from being completed because not only are players not agreed upon, but the amount of money the Rockies will send with Helton's contract. Helton is owed 90.1 million dollars over the next six seasons. He also has a full no trade clause. If Helton were to join the Red Sox lineup, they would probably topple the Yankees with their young power house:

Yes, by trading Craig Hansen away does not improve the closer situation. However, with a vacancy at third base in San Diego, and prospect Kevin Kouzmanoff just a year away, it would make sense to trade Mike Lowell, who is entering the last year of his contract, for someone like Scott Linebrink and/or another minor leaguer. Then Kevin Youkilis would take over at third base. For the Rockies, this leaves a whole at first base and would make their lineup much weaker:

Taking a possible 20 home run hitter away from this club would only make it worse, especially with mediocre pitching. However, since the deal is only in the preliminary stages, it is hard to tell what the Rockies can really get from the Red Sox.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Mariners and Jeff Weaver are closing in on a one to two year deal. Money is probably the only obstacle holding the deal back, assuming Weaver will get a one year deal, with an option for a second. It was reported earlier today that Weaver would likely choose the Pirates over the Mariners or Mets because of his close relationship with manager Jim Tracy, but myself and FOXSPORTS have learned that Weaver will likely choose the Mariners because of the great defense he will have behind him with Beltre, Betancourt, and Suzuki; and because of Safeco Field, known to be a pitcher friendly ball park. He will also be at the advantage because of he his familiar with the AL West having pitched part of the season with the Angels. The Cardinals, who have already lost Suppan and Marquis, will not continue to pursue Weaver and are content with their rotation as it is. Weaver was 8-14 with a 5.76 ERA.

The Cubs held their annual Cubs Convention this weekend and Zambrano, Hendry, and Piniella were hounded with questions concerning the contract of Zambrano.When arbitration figures were submitted, Zambrano sought $15.5 million in salary next season after the Cubs offered 11.025. Jim Hendry met with the agents of Carlos Zambrano on Saturday and they are willing to negotiate until the season starts."I don't want to talk about contract when the season starts. After April 1st, or whatever day the season starts, I don't want to talk about contract. I want it before the season starts or during spring training," Zambrano said Friday during the team's winter convention. Zambrano closed his conference by adding he would like to stay here [in Chicago], but business is business. Zambrano went 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 210 K.

"He spent a lot of money. I hope he has more for Big Z," Zambrano said.

The Rangers have offered Sammy Sosa a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, a source told ESPNdeportes. According to Jerry Crasnick, the language of the deal, supposedly loaded with incentives, is being finalized. The interest in bringing the former Ranger back to Arlington appears to be mutual. "This is about giving a second chance to a guy who did a lot for the game, and who wants an opportunity to prove he can contribute. We're not setting expectations, and he's not asking for anything other than a chance to compete." said Rangers GM Jon Daniels. Sosa has hit 588 career home runs but only hit 14 home runs with a .221 average in 2005 with the Orioles.

If the Cubs are serious about moving OF Jacque Jones, Pittsburgh is the most likely destination. The Pirates are looking to add a left handed bat and are willing to trade either Chris Duffy or Nate McLouth. The trade would work well for the Pirates because of Jones' familiarity with the NL Central, while the Cubs would get a year, two tops, out of either Duffy or McLouth. Cubs top prospect Felix Pie is expected to take over in center field in 2008, so it is possible that the player the Cubs get would get the full time job in '07, and platoon with Pie in '08.

The Mets are closing in on a short term deal for Jorge Sosa, according to club officials. Sosa was 3-11 with a 5.42 ERA with Atlanta and St. Louis last season, but was obviously the Mets backup plan considering they lost out on Barry Zito (Giants) and Jeff Suppan (Brewers). The Mets are also looking into signing Aaron Sele and Ramon Ortiz. The Mets have no interest in JeffWeaver or Tomo Ohka, who has received more than one two year offer. Sele went 8-6 with a 4.53 ERA with the Dodgers last year, and wouldn't be a terrible risk because he pitched in 29 games last year and averaged about six innings per start. Ramon Ortiz pitched with the Nationals last year going 11-16 with a 5.57 ERA. He also averaged about six innings per start but was very inconsistent at times. Assuming Sosa signs with the Mets and they sign either Sele or Ortiz, the back end of their rotation is still very weak: